Delaware Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Delaware / Delaware Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Delaware Electrical Apprenticeship Program – Wilmington, DE
Program Information
The Delaware Electrical Apprenticeship Program (DEAP) is the state-recognized pathway for individuals pursuing licensure as electricians in Delaware. Administered under Delaware’s Division of Professional Regulation and supported by approved employers and training providers, DEAP is structured to ensure apprentices meet the education, experience, and competency standards required for long-term employment in the electrical trade.
DEAP operates on an earn-while-you-learn model that combines full-time, paid on-the-job training with formal classroom instruction. Apprentices work directly under licensed journeyman and master electricians across a wide range of job sites, including residential housing, commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and infrastructure projects throughout Delaware. This exposure ensures apprentices develop a broad skill set rather than being limited to a single type of electrical work.
Classroom instruction is designed to reinforce real-world jobsite experience with a strong foundation in electrical theory and code compliance. Coursework covers topics such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical math, blueprint reading, conduit bending, grounding and bonding, motor controls, transformers, lighting systems, and electrical safety practices. Emphasis is placed on understanding not just how systems are installed, but why they are designed and protected in specific ways.
A key strength of the Delaware Electrical Apprenticeship Program is its alignment with state licensing requirements. Apprentices log documented on-the-job hours and complete required classroom education concurrently, ensuring they are fully prepared to sit for Delaware electrician licensing exams upon completion. This structured progression reduces delays between finishing training and advancing to journeyman-level employment.
Graduates of DEAP are well-positioned for stable, long-term careers in the electrical industry. Electricians trained through the program work in residential construction, commercial electrical contracting, industrial maintenance, utilities, and specialized systems such as fire alarms, controls, and energy-efficient electrical installations. The program’s state oversight ensures consistent training quality and strong employer recognition across Delaware.
Program Length
- Approximately 4 years in duration
- Includes up to 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training
- Structured classroom instruction completed throughout the apprenticeship
Hands-On Training
Apprentices gain real-world experience in:
- Residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations
- Conduit bending, wire pulling, and system layout
- Electrical troubleshooting and system maintenance
- Motor controls, lighting systems, and power distribution
- Electrical safety procedures and code compliance
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completion of the state-approved apprenticeship application process
- Strong foundational skills in math and basic science
- Ability to perform physically demanding electrical work
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Meets Delaware requirements for electrician licensure eligibility
- Preparation for journeyman electrician roles
- Career paths include residential electrician, commercial electrician, industrial electrician, and electrical maintenance technician
Location
Delaware Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Wilmington, DE
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Delaware Electrical Apprenticeship Program is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Electrician.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.